18

Chapter 43: It All Makes Sense! Everything Falls into Place!
============================================================

【The Mind-Capturing Mirror showed no reaction. It was the truth.】

【Meaning only she knows about this matter. That’s best then…】

Ye Qinghan froze. She'd never heard of her master possessing a lie-detecting artifact!

Though the Master had prepared for this long ago! But to keep it hidden even from the First Disciple?

Was it to prevent me from learning about the先天至宝?

Moreover, this artifact wasn't stored in the Moon-Wielding Pavilion—it must be carried by the master herself!

If that's the case, doesn't that make her look like a fool?

But Master had never used it on her. He treated her as family. Thinking of this, her heart couldn't help but feel a little relieved…

"Sister, I shall never forget your kindness. I truly harbor no ill will, nor was I instigated by others."

【Honest words… then why did she come? Surely she didn't come for me!】

【She must have an agenda!】

Ye Qinghan froze. Master's suspicion…

It was entirely possible!

This guy was still thinking about becoming a disciple earlier today!

If we assume she has her eye on the master, then her sudden visit makes perfect sense! Then she's trying to get information out of me to learn about the master!

The crucial part is, she even said she wanted to become a disciple!

Then she'd drop some hints to catch the master's attention!

It all makes sense now!

Well, well! You little minx!

I thought you just wanted to harm my master, but it turns out you're quite the schemer!

So you're actually trying to steal my master away from me!

You deserve to die a thousand deaths!

"In that case, Sister can rest easy."

Ye Qinghan practically gritted her teeth as she spoke. Though her master hadn't grasped it yet, she understood perfectly!

Dongfang Jue felt her hair stand on end and a chill run down her spine. Just moments ago, everything seemed normal, yet now Ye Qinghan's gaze held a thick, murderous intent!

Huh?

Had she said something wrong?

She meant no harm, yet Ye Qinghan was displeased? Could it be she didn't trust me?

"Um… Sister, do you not believe Jue'er?"

"How could that be? I believe you now! I believe you so much!"

Not only do I know you weren't lying, but I also know what you're scheming, you slut!

This won't do. I need to find a way to get rid of her!

She can't keep staying by the Master's side…

"Master, Qinghan is feeling a bit tired. May I retire for the night?"

"Of course. Qinghan, take care of yourself. Cultivation is about refining the body. If you neglect your health, it's like drawing water with a sieve."

Ye Qinghan grabbed Dongfang Jue's wrist and yanked her up from the chair…

"Hey, Sister Qinghan, I'm not tired yet. I don't need to rest…"

"No, you are tired!"

Huh? Dongfang Jue felt numb all over. This situation was clearly not suitable for being alone with Ye Qinghan!

Way too dangerous!

Master Su, what are you grinning about over there? Is this scene supposed to be heartwarming?

The more peacefully you smile now, the more peacefully I'll depart later!

Ye Qinghan dragged him out of the main hall and pulled him back to her room.

"Um… Sister Qinghan…"

"It's just us two. Stop pretending!" Ye Qinghan's expression remained grim. She wanted nothing more than to kill this wicked woman who dared to compete with her for a man!

"What's wrong? What did I say to upset Senior Sister?"

"Who the hell are you calling Senior Sister?"

Ye Qinghan reached for her sword as she spoke, but Dongfang Jue quickly grabbed her wrist.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wrong move! Don't get so worked up!"

"You're so good at guessing—try guessing what I'm thinking."

The room was dark, yet Dongfang Jue could still see the murderous intent in Ye Qinghan's fox-like eyes…

"You're not thinking about how to kill me, are you…"

"You guessed right!"

"No, no, no! Calm down! I've learned my lesson. No ill will, I swear!"

"You're already fixated on the Master, and you claim no ill will?"

"Didn't you say you wouldn't interfere?"

"I also said I'd chop off your feet and shove them down your throat! Forgotten?"

"Hey, Fairy Qinghan, how can you go back on your word like this?"

Ye Qinghan thought to herself, knowing Master would never agree. With his aversion to trouble, not kicking you out is already giving you face!

Who knew Dongfang Jue would pull this stunt on her!

Now Dongfang Jue wanted to leave, and even the Master might not let him!

If Dongfang Jue were to camp out in Lingxian Hall, what would become of things?

Though the Master shunned women, hadn't he succumbed to her relentless persistence? What if something unexpected happened?

"What? Are you dissatisfied? Would killing you count as meddling? I won't defy the Master's will, but before you became his disciple, we weren't exactly close, were we?"

"No, but you just said Father and the Master were old acquaintances, and that you and I are sisters—not outsiders!"

"I don't know your father. He can associate with whomever he pleases. As for sisters? Hmph."

"Hey hey hey, good sister, come on. Now that I'm here, you're the First Disciple. Do you really think our master would favor me over you?"

"Are you looking for trouble?"

As Ye Qinghan spoke, her sword was halfway drawn before Dongfang Jue pressed it back…

"Don't get angry, Senior Sister. Don't let it ruin your health…"

"You bloody…"

Ye Qinghan pushed Dongfang Jue down onto the bed and sat him up, then spoke slowly and deliberately.

"I'll only say this once. Listen carefully."

Dongfang Jue sat up straight and nodded obediently, knowing he'd narrowly escaped trouble and couldn't afford to be too reckless now.

"If you genuinely wish to become my disciple, as your direct first disciple, I won't stand in your way. But if you resort to underhanded tricks or try to pull some dirty stunts—"

"Even if you gain entry, I won't let you live!"

Dongfang Jue froze. She knew Ye Qinghan meant every word. Though she suspected he might hesitate to harm her once she became his disciple, out of deference to his own master, she dared not take that gamble.

"I understand, but…"

"But what?"

"But didn't you also use tricks to get accepted by Master Su?"

Ye Qinghan didn't respond. There was no point in explaining such matters.

Ye Qinghan thought that even that fool Li Shiyu would be better than Dongfang Jue if she came to seek apprenticeship.

At least Li Shiyao understood what becoming a disciple entailed and wouldn't resort to such petty tricks. On the contrary, if one thought such tricks could fool both the master and her First Disciple, that would be the height of foolishness.

With that, Ye Qinghan channeled her divine arts to light the oil lamp, flooding the room with light.

"You'll sleep with me tonight."

"Um… I'm not actually sleepy…"

Ye Qinghan casually shed her clothes, retrieved a black nightgown from the wardrobe, and slipped it on.

The sword case leaned against the bedside, the three-foot frost-clad sword wedged between her legs. At that moment, the fox's tail and ears peeked out.

Then Ye Qinghan fell asleep…

Dongfang Jue was left standing by the side, surveying the room.

The walls displayed several portraits of Su Cheng, most likely painted by Ye Qinghan, with an unfinished half-portrait still resting on the table.

She had removed the bracelet—the system called it the [Desire-Severing Bracelet], though its purpose remained unknown.

The jade pendant, the size of a bank card, and the immortal medicine remained tucked in her bosom. Even through the nightgown, the edges of the pendant could be faintly glimpsed between the curves…

The Glass Silk Water-Sleeve Dress hung in the wardrobe—truly divine attire, and stunningly beautiful.

A fragrance lingered around Ye Qinghan. Dongfang Jue thought most men would find it irresistible, and even women would find it pleasant.

Ye Qinghan appeared to be asleep, looking utterly enchanting. Though Su Cheng knew little about her, his impression of Ye Qinghan had deepened considerably.

Her beauty was enough to befall a nation, her talent truly one in a million. Moreover, she was utterly devoted to Su Cheng, always prioritizing her master's happiness in everything she did.

No wonder Su Cheng cherished her so deeply, showering her with countless treasures.

But… wasn't he not bad either?

At the very least, I'll strive to be worthy!

============================================================